When he was caught, it was very evident that Hammie was in a bouncy mood and in no frame of mind to be ridden

Jo and Fiona harnessed him up instead.

We used an Icelandic rubber saddle pad thingy to go under the “saddle” of the harness because this set is not designed for his non-Shetland frame (Jo has a better one at her house which she will remember to bring next time).

Today’s training was getting Hammie used to the feel of shafts on his sides, especially when turning corners.  He went in both directions and was made to do small circles.

Then Jo rattled the “shafts” on his sides and Hammie thought that was fairly scary so she did it some more until he was bored.

Next, the dragging wood which, having just become bearable, made things worse again.

Plus some more “shaft” rattling by his sides.

And then, relief, a carrot for the bravery.  Phew!

and off they went again.

We let Hammie see the rattling things as he is not in blinkers and not the type of pony who would go well in blinkers either at the moment, if ever.

Jo decided to show him the crashing and the banging of the shafts being lifted up and down over his back, as if the cart was being put to.

A few scared moments but he got used to it.

As long as Fiona told him he was speshul!

We are getting there. It is a very slow process, and Hammy needs constant reassurance and time. We don’t rush him and often go back a stage to go forward one, if you see what I mean.

The next step of the cart should be fun.  Look at his face?  OMG!  It is all about trust.  We will keep working away and take it at a speed Hammie’s little pea-like brain can cope with.